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ABUJA — The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully rescued 76 individuals, including women and children, following a precision airstrike on a bandit stronghold in Katsina State, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The operation targeted Pauwa Hill in Kankara Local Government Area as part of an ongoing manhunt for a notorious gang leader known as Babaro. Authorities linked Babaro to a recent deadly attack on a mosque in Malumfashi, which claimed over 30 lives.
According to the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, the victims were abducted during the assault on Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi. The airstrike, conducted between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., led to the safe recovery of the hostages. However, one child tragically died during the rescue operation.
Officials described the mission as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in northwest Nigeria. The state government commended the NAF and other security agencies for their coordinated efforts and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting ongoing operations through logistics, intelligence-sharing, and community engagement.
Security forces continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to aid in the fight against banditry.
